Terminology about werewolves

A werewolf, also known as a lycanthrope, is a mythological or folkloric human with the ability to shapeshift into a wolf or a wolf-man hybrid creature, either purposely, by being bitten by another werewolf, or after being placed under a curse. This transformation is often associated with the appearance of the full moon, as noted by the medieval chronicler Gervase of Tilbury, or Petronius in Greek antiquity.

Werewolves are often attributed superhuman strength and senses, far beyond those of both wolves and men. The werewolf is generally held as a European monster, although its lore spread through the world in later times. Shapeshifters, similar to werewolves but concerned with other animals, are archetypes that appear in mainly myths and folk tales accross the planet.

A distinction is often made between voluntary and involuntary werewolves. The former are generally thought to have made a pact, usually with the Devil, and morph into werewolves at night to indulge in nefarious acts. Involuntary werewolves, on the other hand, are werewolves by an accident of birth or illness. In some cultures, individuals born during a new moon or suffering from epilepsy were considered likely to be werewolves.

Etymology of werewolf

Werewolf literally means man-wolf. The name is thought most likely to derive from Old English wer (or were) meaning man (male man rather than gender-neutral) or possibly the Latin vir, also meaning man, masculine. It has cognates in several Germanic languages including Gothic wair, Old High German wer , Old Prussian: wirs, and Irish fear … Read more

Lycanthropy definition

Lycanthropy is the transformation of a human being into a wolf. Lycanthropy may be considered similar to metamorphosis. The term comes from ancient Greek lykánthropos (λυκάνθρωπος): λύκος, lύkos (“wolf”) + άνθρωπος, αnthrōpos (“man”). The word can also be used transitively, referring to the act of transforming someone else into a wolf, or werewolf. The word … Read more

Werewolf shift

The shift is the term generically employed to qualify the transformation of man into a wolf and vice-versa. This gives ground to a lot of different states. The transformation may be temporary or permanent; the were-animal may be the man himself metamorphosed; may be his double whose activity leaves the real man to all appearance … Read more

Werewolf in other languages

Many European countries and cultures have stories of werewolves. Most of the terms used have the similar proto-aryen roots.  Scotland : werewolf, wulver England :werwolf Ireland :faoladh or conriocht Germany : Werwolf Denmark/Sweden : Varulv Galicia, Portugal : lobisón, lobisomem Lithuania : vilkolakis and vilkatlakis Latvia : vilkatis and vilkacis Estonia : libahunt Finland : … Read more